Apache Junction planners recommend 300‑unit affordable housing project to City Council

The Apache Junction Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4‑1 on Oct. 28 to recommend the City Council approve a conditional use permit for the Rohrs 88 North project, a 300‑unit, three‑story multifamily development proposed near the southeast corner of Idaho Road and Scenic Street.

Senior planner Nick Lovedwich told the commission the site is in the City Centre B3 zoning district and within the downtown mixed‑use area of the general plan; staff found the proposal consistent with downtown goals and recommended approval subject to the findings of fact and conditions in the staff report.

Greg Davis of iPlank Consulting, representing the applicant Rohrs Companies, said the project would occupy about 14 acres with roughly 22 units per acre and a mix of one‑ to four‑bedroom apartments, predominantly two‑ and three‑bedroom units. Davis said the developer intends long‑term ownership of the property and described design choices to break up building massing and to provide active streetscape elements. "They own each of these properties for 15 years plus," Davis said, arguing that long‑term ownership encourages higher construction and maintenance standards.

The site plan calls for the required parking and additional covered parking; staff said the required parking count is met and the applicant is providing covered parking with solar panels. The project includes a clubhouse, community pool, dog park, tot lots and a publicly accessible multiuse trail along Idaho and Scenic Streets.

Davis and a Rohrs representative explained the project would use the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program under Section 42. "The rents are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development," Davis said, and the LIHTC structure restricts rents and tenant eligibility (typically tied to 60 percent of area median income). A Rohrs representative clarified which utilities are included: "All utilities would include, like, electric, gas, water, sewer, trash," and said Internet service is offered through a third‑party provider that residents may opt into.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on operational details. Vice Chair Barker asked whether the northwest access would be emergency only; Davis said the developer intends right‑in/right‑out access but that Arizona Department of Transportation approval is required and ADOT may change requirements. Commissioners also questioned building height measurement; staff and the applicant said the highest roof peak is likely about 45 feet, below the 60‑foot limit in the zoning district. Commissioners asked about elevators and accessibility; the applicant said most units are ground‑floor and noted accessibility reviews but did not provide elevator locations.

The public comment period included two speakers in support: Reese Anderson, representing adjacent landowner Bellaflor Communities, said Bellaflor is "in full support" of the project; resident Jeffrey Fitzwater Castle also urged approval and said he welcomed affordable units with included utilities and on‑site solar.

After findings of fact were read aloud and commissioners discussed traffic, parking, compatibility and other criteria, a motion to recommend approval of PD‑25‑38‑CUP (300‑unit, three‑story residential rental community) subject to ten conditions passed on a roll‑call vote: Commissioners Starr, Gage, Barker and Chairman Sherman Hanche voted yes; Commissioner Mikeland voted no. The commission's recommendation will go to the Apache Junction City Council for final action.

The staff report and conditions were referenced during the vote; the date for the council hearing was not specified at the meeting.